Day 7

Italy 1-1 Croatia

Croatia fought back from a goal down to hold Italy to a 1-1 draw in Poznan, Poland. The Italian's took the lead in the first half through a wonderful Andrea Pirlo free kick, however Mario Mandzukic's 3rd goal in 2 games this tournament sealed a point for Croatia.

The Italian's settled quickly into the match, and had control right from the outset. Mario Balotelli and Antonio Cassano seemed a constant threat on the Croatian goal. Cassano was denied by a wonderful double-save from Croatian keeper Stipe Pletikosa, however just moments later it was the 33-year-old Pirlo who put them in front.

After Balotelli won a free kick 25 yards out from goal, Pirlo stepped up, curling the dead ball over the wall and dipping it into the bottom corner. Pletikosa looked to get a glove to the ball, however failed to stop it from crossing the line.

After the interval it was a completely different story. Mandzukic and his strike partner Nikica Jelavic led the line well, and Luka Modric became an influential factor in the match.

This resulted in Mandzukic's 72nd minute equaliser. Ivan Strinic crossed from the left, and after Mandzukic worked his marker under the ball, who took a gifted touch before thrashing his shot off the post and in. It was a brilliantly worked goal and a deserved leveller for their second half pressure.

Both sides failed to create meaningful chances in the remaining quarter of an hour, as the two settled for a 1-1 draw, putting Group C on a knife's edge going into Match Day 3.

Spain 4-0 Ireland

Spain produced their scintillating best against a hapless Republic of Ireland, coming up with a devastating 4-0 win. A double from Fernando Torres, as well as second half goals from David Silva and Cesc Fabregas, had the reigning European Champions flying towards the Quarter Final's, ending Ireland's chances of progressing in the process.

Spain got the ball rolling after just 4 minutes following some Torres brilliance. He nicked the ball off Stephen Ward inside the penalty area, before drifting past his marker and lashing a shot into the roof of the net. It was a fantastic goal and highlighted a possible return to his best.

The Spaniard's continued to dominate, and at times seemed to be queuing up for the chance to score, however some resolute defending and a fantastic display by keeper Shay Given meant they went into the break only one down.

That all changed 4 minutes into the second half when Silva made it 2-0. Given made a save to deny Andres Iniesta, however the rebound fell to Silva, who composed himself nicely in such a crowded penalty box, before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner from close range.

Silva then became the architect on 70 minutes when he threaded a nice ball through to Torres, who beat the offside trap and buried a lethal finish past Given from the edge of the area.

It was becoming all too much for the Irish, and with just 7 minutes remaining substitute Fabregas found space from a corner, brought the ball under control and hit a powerful effort past Given and into the back of the net, via a deflection off the post.

It was the reigning World and European Champions at their best, controlling the game with a staggering 78% of possession and putting four past the Irish. The thumping also meant Ireland became the first side to be officially eliminated from Euro 2012.

Spain 4 (+4)

Croatia 4 (+2)

Italy 2 (0)

Ireland 0 (-6)